Faculty Profiles

Marianne Kim, a versatile musician based in Chicago, is renowned for her dynamic performances and compositions that span a wide range of musical genres, including classical, jazz, Broadway, R&B, gospel, and both traditional and contemporary church music.

As a soloist and collaborative artist, Marianne takes pleasure in delivering impressive piano and organ recitals, engaging in chamber music, and exploring the world of jazz. Notably, she served as both a classical pianist and rhythm section keyboardist for the Lakeside Singers under the direction of Robert Bowker from 2005 to 2022. Additionally, she contributed her talents as a pianist to Willow Creek Community Church and the Moody Church from 2001 to 2018, and currently serves as a principal organist for Christ Church of Oak Brook.

Marianne has been involved with the Ravinia Festival since 2008, participating in various projects such as "Danny Elfman's Music," "The Lord of the Rings," "An Evening of Lerner and Loewe," "Best of Broadway," and Leonard Bernstein's opera "Trouble in Tahiti" under the baton of Maestra Marin Alsop. Notably, she performed "Téenek-Invenciones de Territorio" by Gabriela Ortiz alongside the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Carlos Miguel Prieto.

Beyond her performances, Marianne has served as a clinician for numerous events organized by various institutions, including colleges, Worship Music Conferences, churches, the American Guild of Organists, and Publishers. She currently holds positions as a faculty member at North Park University, where she teaches Gospel/Contemporary Piano and works as a Collaborative Pianist, as well as at Northern Illinois University, where she teaches organ and harpsichord. Additionally, Marianne is excited to join the faculty of the Wheaton College Conservatory of Music since Fall semester 2024.

A prolific composer, Marianne has published over 450 titles through esteemed publishing houses such as Beckenhorst Press, Lorenz Publishing, Hope Publishing, Augsburg Fortress, Shawnee Press/Hal Leonard, Concordia Publishing, Jubilate Music, GIA Publications, Yesol Press, and J&A Music. Her compositions have received critical acclaim, with Mark Hayes describing them as "intelligently crafted and quite artful with aural surprises," Larry Shackley praising the "sparkling arrangements with tasteful jazz harmonies and rhythms," and Douglas Wagner appreciating the incorporation of "invigorating harmonies, syncopated rhythms, and an assortment of jazz elements." Also. Marianne is currently an organ editor for the Beckenhorst Press.

Marianne's musical journey began in South Korea, where she studied piano and composition at Busan High School of Arts. She furthered her education at Pusan National University, earning a BM in composition. Subsequently, she pursued dual Master of Music degrees in jazz studies and organ performance at Northern Illinois University, with scholarships and awards.

As a member of ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers) and AGO (American Guild of Organists), Marianne continues to contribute significantly to the church music world. For more detailed and up-to-date information about her, please visit her website at www.mariannekimmusic.com.

Northern Illinois University
Master of Music degrees in jazz studies and organ performance

Pusan National University
Bachelor of Music in Composition

Busan High School of Arts